how to interfaith: jews and muslim

My friend Mikey Pauker is a Jewish singer/songwriter, a rabbi-in-training, and a leader at Hillel—the nationwide Jewish college campus community. Music pours from his soul.

Last night, he hosted an interfaith Jew x Muslim Saturday service where clergy and members of both religions joined in a temple for a spiritual evening of shared tradition.

The hope-filled evening had good food (too much baklava; too little self-control)music and prayer from both cultures were shared with the overarching message that both peoples celebrate and worship the same God.

I was invited to speak about building community. What I said:

When your heart is full of prayer and music, let it overflow into voice.

After losing my home in the fires, I relied on the community support for months. Sleeping in guest rooms, housesitting, accepting all sorts of donations. Much of this happened because I spoke up and often, saying “Can I stay at your place?”

Several asks led to several yeses.

Eventually I asked a new question, “Can I host a dinner at your place? For people who miss the feeling of a home-made meal.“

One yes led to twenty more.

Our voice is what separates people from animals.

In this religious setting, I brought up the creation story. Just like how God spoke the world into existence with words, we too have the ability to create with words.

Opportunity. Community. Action. It all starts from two places:

• Invitation (opening a door)

• Exploration (knocking on one)

If you wish to see a more connected world, create it where you are.

Many, if not all who attended felt heartbreak from the Middle East. It's easy to wish for people to get along, but envisioning what that looks like is another step further. Do people wish for each culture to exist side-by-side without bothering each other or do they people wish for cultures to intermingle and co-create? Because side-by-side existing may look peaceful, but intermingling is how thriving happens, and how strangers become neighbors.

Accept the challenge to use your voice.

I challenged those at the service to turn to a fellow attendee and use their voice to make a request or offer an invitation:

- I'd love to host a dinner
- I'd love to join a dinner

In the middle of the talk, a muslim man spoke up, "I am happy to invite anyone here to my home for dinner. I can host everyone here!"

He declared it with enthusiasm.

After the service, several Jews and Muslims alike approached me and gave their phone numbers and emails to me with hopes they could host or attend a dinner - so long as someone coordinated it for them.

The takeaway: Speaking up is how you create change. 

When you are inspired, raise your voice.

Voice leads to action.
Asks and invitations alike.
And action leads to momentum.

If you'd like to join a dinner or host one, reply here and I'll continue building out a way to make it happen easily.

With love for the community,
Orly Israel

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